Heavy rainfall causes lahar flow from Kanlaon Volcano slopes
File photo of a calm Kanlaon Volcano on a clear day, Photo by Marvin Escander, contributor.
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on Friday said moderate to heavy rainfall in the Negros Island Region affected portions of Kanlaon Volcano, generating channel-confined lahars.
Phivolcs, in an advisory, said the volcanic sediments were reported on the southern and southwestern slopes of the volcano.
“Lahars have been reported by netizens in social media and by local officials. Cohesive and cement-like lahars occurred along the Buhangin River and beneath Hacienda 92 Bridge in Brgy. Sag-ang and Ibid Creek in Brgy. Biak-na-bato, La Castellana, Negros Occidental,” said Phivolcs.
READ: Kanlaon Volcano emits over 2,800 tons of sulfur dioxide in 24 hours
Now that the rainy season has been declared, state seismologists warned that rains could generate lahars, muddy streamflows or muddy run-off in the rivers draining the southern Kanlaon edifice particularly those that have been already affected by lahars.
“Lahars can threaten communities along the middle and lower slopes with inundation, burial and wash out. Phivolcs thus strongly recommends increased vigilance and readiness of communities along rivers draining southern Kanlaon,” Phivolcs said.
“These communities and local government units are advised to continually monitor weather conditions and take pre-emptive response measures when heavy rains, the only early warning for lahars, are expected or have begun over the upper slopes of Kanlaon Volcano, for their safety,” it added.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on June 2 declared the onset of the rainy season in the country.
On Monday, Pagasa said the Southwest Monsoon is seen to bring cloudy skies with rains and thunderstorms in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zambpanga Peninsula, BARMM, and SOCCSKSARGEN. /mr
